Liam Ridgewell

Carrying an experienced pedigree with more than 250 matches played over 11 English Premier League seasons spent with Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, Ridgewell, 29, played the last two-and-a-half seasons with West Brom, making 76 appearances as one of the club’s primary options in defense. Ridgewell made 33 appearances during the 2013-14 EPL season, logging 90 minutes in all but three of his appearances while helping the Baggies remain in the Premiership for a fifth consecutive season.

Prior to joining West Brom, the Bexley, England, native spent five seasons with Birmingham City, helping the club win the 2011 Football League Cup with a 90-minute performance in a 2-1 win against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London. Ridgewell, a member of the England Under-21 National Team from 2004-06, made 152 career appearances for the Blues as the club spent three years in the EPL and two in English League Championship during his stint.

Beginning his professional career with Aston Villa, Ridgewell made his debut on loan with AFC Bournemouth in 2002 before earning his first competitive match with the Villans in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2003. Ridgewell made 79 appearances in his time with Aston Villa.

Ridgewell will occupy an international slot and third Designated Player spot on the Timbers roster.

2014: Tallied two goals and an assist in 15 appearances, all starts, during the 2014 season ... Started and played 90 minutes, making his CONCACAF Champions League debut in a 3-1 loss at C.D. Olimpia Oct. 21 ... Tallied the game-winning assist, the first of his MLS career, in a comeback, 2-1 win over San Jose on Oct. 4 ...Tallied his first career MLS goal, the game-tying goal, in a 1-1 draw against New England on Aug. 16 Was named to the 2014 MLS AT&T All-Star roster, playing the second half of a 2-1 win over German club Bayern Munich on Aug. 6 ... Made his MLS and Timbers debut, starting and playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Colorado on July 18.